Failed Root Canal Evaluation and Apicoectomy
I had a root canal, why does the tooth still hurt? This is a frustrating and uncomfortable question for both patient and dentist alike. It can often be solved with our advanced 3-Dimensional high-resolution scans and endodontic surgeries. Cone beam scans can often locate missed canals, perforations and cracks in teeth.
Why would I need Endodontic Surgery? Generally, a root canal is all that is needed to save teeth with injured pulp from extraction. Occasionally, this non-surgical procedure will not be sufficient to heal the tooth and your endodontist will recommend surgery. Endodontic surgery can be used to locate fractures or hidden canals that do not appear on x-rays but still manifest pain in the tooth. Damaged root surfaces or the surrounding bone may also be treated with this procedure. The most common surgery used to save damaged teeth is an apicoectomy or root-end resection.
What is an Apicoectomy? An incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone and surrounding inflamed tissue. The damaged tissue is removed along with the end of the root tip. A root-end filling is placed to prevent reinfection of the root and the gum is sutured. The bone naturally heals around the root over a period of months restoring full function.
Following the procedure, there may be some discomfort or slight swelling while the incision heals. This is normal for any surgical procedure. To alleviate any discomfort, an appropriate pain medication will be recommended. If you have pain that does not respond to medication, please call our office.
- Home
- Meet Us
- Your First Visit
- Procedures / Services
- CT Scanning / Cone Beam
- Dental Implants
- Wisdom Teeth
- Bone Grafting
- Conscious Sedation and General Anesthesia
- Impacted Canines
- Sinus Lift
- Jaw Surgery and Reconstruction
- Botox Cosmetic
- Juvederm
- Facial Trauma
- TMJ Disorders
- Failed Root Canal Evaluation and Apicoectomy
- Hours and Directions
- Patient Registration